The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge

I have to say I don't think I've ever seen anything like this before.

A few weeks ago I first heard about Pete Frates and the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.  I was watching ESPN and they did a profile on this former Boston College baseball player who was trying to raise awareness on ALS, the disease he contracted a while earlier.  If you haven't seen the original story, it's a must watch.

I was overwhelmed by the power of one man.  Still, it seemed like Pete's challenge would be like so many others.  A heart warming story that came and went with the news cycle.

But it didn't go away.

For whatever reason the challenge has truly gone viral.  Athletes, politicians, actors all jumped on board.

Then it spread.

Moms, Dads, teachers, and even kids all wanted to jump into the act.

Well, long story short.- even my family has gotten into the act.  Last night Kennedy did the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.  Take a look:

Dede may not fully understand the destructiveness of ALS, but I'm still proud of her for taking the challenge.  I know Tara and I will support the cause of fighting ALS, even if we don't dump buckets of water over our heads.  We both saw how this disease affects families with the death of Tara's Uncle Sterling last year.  Sterling was an amazing man and it was so hard to see him lose his battle with ALS.  The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge is a powerful movement and I'm glad we've become part of it.

Photo of the Day

What are they learning about in Primary?

Legends of Roundball

Every season we encourage the kids to try some new sports.  Get outside of their comfort zones and experience different things.  Over the winter we've had a ton of fun with Kennedy and Alex both playing basketball.  Sure, we've shot around in the driveway over the years, but the kids have recently wanted to play in organized games.  It was time for more Junior Jazz basketball!

Alex played basketball last year and it was a struggle at times.  The younger boys don't really have any structure to the games and it pretty much rewards the kids who are most aggressive.  Aggressive is not a word I'd use to describe Alex.  He is much more interested in being part of a team, rather than taking over.  I was hoping things would be different this year.  Well, not so much.

Alex was able to score a few times this year, but he was still on a team where the most aggressive kids took all the shots.  He still had fun, but I'm hoping that he'll get on a team that teaches the boys how to play - I know, sounds like I'm volunteering to coach....


My biggest surprise this season was Kennedy.  She's never expressed much of an interest in playing basketball, but she decided to try it with one of her friends from school.  At first it was a bit of a struggle, but by the time the season ended Dede girl was really starting to have fun!  She took advantage of her height and was able to rebound/defend like a pro!

One of our best moments came over the weekend when Kennedy was able to score two baskets in a row!  This was a girl who could barely shoot last year and now she was making it happen.  She may take the scoring title away from Kevin Durrant, but Dede was having fun and making buckets!  What a big deal for our amazing little girl.

Jr. Jazz basketball - You Gotta Love It!

Shredding it at Mountain Dell

One of the things I like most about my calling in Young Men's is the fun times we get to have with the kids when we're all together. Once a month we pack up both the Young Men and Young Women for an evening of fun. This month we headed up to Mountain Dell for a little late night sledding.

My favorite part of the night was taking Kennedy with me. She loves hanging around the older kids and, fortunately for us, they like her too.

We had a total blast tonight. The hill was slick and sent us down at some pretty good speeds.
I'm not going to say I kept up with the teenagers, but Kennedy and I managed to hold our own. Even better, no one got hurt - always a plus when you're rocketing across ice on a piece of plastic.

Thanks for being my sled partner Dede!

Dede and Ear Piercing

Kennedy's wanted to get her ears pierced for the past couple of years.  I guess everyone feels the need to poke a hole in their body at some point.  Tara and I made her promise that she would wait until after her baptism. We wanted her to be our little girl for a few days more.

Baptism on Sunday - check.

Guess what Dede wanted to do first thing after school on Monday. Yep - off to the mall they went.

Kennedy actually did pretty well. The whole thing happened so fast she wasn't quite sure what to think. Before you knew it, our little girl turned into a tween right before our eyes.

Kennedy's Baptism

Years ago Kennedy told me that she wanted to get baptized.

Right then.

She was 3 years old.

For the past several years she has patiently waited for her 8th birthday.  When her birthday finally arrived last month, we learned that she would have to wait a little longer for the January Stake baptism. After 5 years of holding on, what's another couple of weeks.  Kennedy used the time to buy her dress and take some photos for the announcements.  They turned out great!

Well, the big day finally arrived.  We invited both of our families, and many of our friends to celebrate Dede's baptism.  It was an amazing event.  We filled the Relief Society room with so many people who love Kennedy and it was very touching to see all the wonderful influences Dede has in her young life.  She is a special girl who touches many hearts.  I know she was pretty emotional when she saw all the people who came because of her.

One of the best moments of the ceremony came when Tara was speaking.  For the past six weeks Tara and her mom have been working on a quilt for Kennedy.  As Tara shared how the Holy Ghost can provide us with comfort she presented Dede with her own special comforter.  It was a great moment and one that I'll remember forever.

The baptism and confirmation went off without a hitch (even though Kennedy threatened to leave her toe out of the water so she'd have to be baptized a second time).  As I laid my hands upon Kennedy's head in the blessing I was impressed with how much our little girl will accomplish in her life.  I know that Heavenly Father loves Kennedy.  She is a choice spirit who will influence many for good.  She is a major part of my life and I hope that I can live up the responsibility of being her dad.

Thanks to everyone for making Kennedy's baptism such a special day.  It was wonderful to see our little girl growing up and to know that she wants to do what is right.  Tara and I couldn't be prouder as parents than when you see your children making good choices for the right reasons.  We love you Kennedy!

Photo of the Day

Nothing like a big icicle!

For Your Birthday

Kennedy,

Of all the birthday letters I've written you over the years, this one has really been a challenge to compose.  Not that I don' t have things to say, the real issue is that I have too many things to tell you on this important birthday.  It is as though I blinked and suddenly my little girl was grown up before my eyes.

This birthday certainly marks a milestone in your life.  For years you've wanted to get baptized, and now you'll finally have that opportunity.  Your mom and I are really proud of you for wanted to join the church through baptism.  I know this is something that you're doing of your own choosing.  You've always been a girl you knows what she wants and I'm happy being baptized is something you want to do.  It means more to me than you'll know that I have the chance to baptize and confirm you a member of the Church.

Dede I want to you to know how much I enjoy spending time with you.  You're always so fun to joke around with and your laugh is infectious.  You have a wonderful personality that draws people to you and I am no different - I love being with my Dede girl.  Whether it's our Daddy Daughter dates for some sushi, or my makeovers from my little stylist it's always a fun time when you're with me.

Kennedy if I have one piece of advice for you this year it's to keep trying.  I know there are times when you're quick to frustration (a trait I share with you), but you are a bright, talented girl who can accomplish much if you don't quit.  Whether it's your homework or practicing the piano, keep trying and you will be able to do so many things in your life.  Have confidence in yourself - you can do it!

Happy birthday Dede!  Your mom and I love you more than you will ever know.  You are a ray of sunshine in our home and I hope you'll continue to let your light shine.  

Daddy

Dede at Red Butte

It isn't every day that I get invited to be a chaperone at an elementary school field trip.  In fact, I think this may be the first field trip I've been on since I was a teacher.  Kennedy's first grade class has been studying plants this year and they loaded onto a bus and headed to the coolest garden in Salt Lake - Red Butte.

We had a great time walking around the gardens and enjoying the amazing plants.  Kennedy and the other kids were so inquisitive and the staff did a great job showing the kids the beauties of nature.  After a short picnic lunch our morning was over and I had to head back to work.  It's unreal how fast time flies when you're having fun....

 

Working Girl

For the past month or so Kennedy has had a request - to go with me to work.  I don't know what the appeal is to go up to my cubical and sit around for a few hours, but she was insistent.  With the kids home for Spring Break this week, the time was right and Miss Dede came to UEN.

It ended up being a pretty fun day.  Mindy also had her daughter at the office, so the girls passed notes back and forth for most of the morning.  Kennedy was quite elaborate in her note-making, using colored paper, post-its, and glue to create a model of the office.

After a few hours of work it was time to call it a day (there's no way you're getting in a full 8 hours with your kids at the office) and we headed downtown for lunch.  Dede has been begging to eat at Chick Fil A, so we went to the new City Creek Mall to eat at the food court.  That mall is amazing - and crowded!  It's been a while since I've been part of a crowd that large!  Still, it was unreal to see all the neat features of the mall.

Our day ended as Kennedy and I rode Trax home.  It was a fun day and great to have a cubie buddy come with me to the office.  Thanks for a day away from the ordinary Kennedy!

Dede on the Pitch

We were quite surprised when Kennedy told us she wanted to play soccer again.  Dede's been down this road before and she didn't really like it the first time.  We spent more time trying to convince her to play than she actually spent time on the field. So, what changed her attitude?  A new intensity in her life? A desire for more physical activity?  A love for all things Real?  Nope - her friend Ava wanted to play.  Simple as that.

Indoor soccer has been a little more fun for Dede, but I don't think she's the next Mia Hamm.  Kennedy still would rather stand around and chat with her friends than mix it up in a soccer scrum.  Still, we're glad she gave it a try and happy to see her play a sport.

Great to be 8!

This is one of those moments when you realize how quickly time is passing.  Kennedy was invited to "It's Great To Be 8" our Stake's baptismal preparation program.  Wait a minute.  Kennedy is going to be 8 this year?  Doesn't it seem like we just brought her home from the hospital?

We attended the program and it was lots of fun.  Liam is also turning 8 this year so the cousins were able to go and learn about all the ins and outs getting baptized.  They explored the font, learned where they change their clothes, they found out how their baptismal interview with the bishop will go.  Kennedy even learned about the neat things that happen in Activity days.  She can't wait to turn 8!

Dede at Dede's

Each time we drive down to visit my parents we take a few trips in to Cedar City.  Along Main Street you'll find a giant sign for the restaurant Dede's.  On this vacation it was time to take our Dede to Dede's. I think the best thing about the restaurant was the photo-op for Kennedy, but I'm sure we'll go back again to have another $5 omelet......

Note for Santa

As Alex and Kennedy were preparing for bed on Christmas Eve they asked if a final note for Santa was ok.  Since the computer was right there I asked if they wanted to make a little video for the big man to watch later that night.  Here were their final requests...

Kennedy's Birthday

Kennedy had a great birthday this year.  We started the week of her birthday by going to The Forgotten Carols at Cottonwood High School.  Kennedy enjoyed the show, up until the end when we all thought it was over and it kept going for another 45 minutes!

On her actual birthday, Kennedy was a little sick.  We ended up just going to dinner at Bonsai and Coldstone and then having a quiet evening at home.

The party started on Saturday with a friend party.  Eight of Kennedy's friends came over for games, bracelet making, face painting, presents, cake and ice cream and a pinata.  Kennedy was so excited for this party and she wasn't disappointed.  All the girls had a blast.  I think the face painting was the popular station. Char, Jess and Alicia all helped with the different stations and keeping things somewhat organized.

Sunday was a family party with Jared's family.  We had dinner, more cake and ice cream and more presents.   Kennedy definitely got spoiled and had a fun birthday week.

I can't believe Kennedy is actually seven years old.  She really has grown up so much this year.  She is such a special kid and we love her so much.  We love the spirit and fun that she brings into our home (and the drama!)  We love you, Kennedy!

For Your Birthday

Kennedy,


I wanted to take a moment to reflect upon our year together.  I am so proud of all you have accomplished over the past few months.  You are doing so well in school and have adjusted to all day learning.  I know you always  say your favorite part of school is hot lunch, but it is exciting to watch you read, write, and work with numbers.  You are excelling as a student and you can accomplish great things!


At home I can't tell you how much you mean to your mom and me.  You are really starting to become a big helper.  It is so important to us that you continue to take on more and more responsibility and I love that you are willing to pitch in.  You have a great chance to set an example for your younger brothers, as they want to follow your lead.  I hope you'll continue to show them that we can do hard things in our family.


Dede - you have so many talents and I hope you'll explore new opportunities to grow and learn.  I know you were a bit reluctant to start piano, but it is so fun to listen to you practice new songs.  It has shown me again that you can do anything you set your mind to.  Trust in yourself and keep working hard.  You are incredible!


I love you little girl.  You bring a smile to my face and joy to my heart.  I hope you have a wonderful birthday.


Daddy

Not Forgotten

Last night Kennedy, Tara, and I went on a date.  Call it an early birthday present for Dede or just a good excuse to go out, but we joined with Tara's family to see the play The Forgotten Carols.  The play wasn't new to us.  Tara and I saw it 15 years ago when we were dating.  Like so many young couples it was a good chance to go out around Christmas time.  Both of us loved the play.

I don't know why it took us so long to see it again.  It was even better the second time around.  Maybe it was the chance to share the music with Kennedy.  Perhaps it was because the music has a greater impact on my life today.  Could be a magical date with the same girl over a decade later.  I don't know.

The story is simple and powerful. It reminds us that the Savior didn't just impact the world in the past.  He still impacts our lives and His message is the same today as ever.  If you haven't heard the music I hope you'll add it to your Christmas traditions.  It will certainly help you feel the Spirit of Christmas - the Spirit of Christ.

Books and Bagels

This morning Kennedy and I headed over to her school for "Books and Bagels". The PTA does this from time to time as a way to encourage the students to read more. We had a lovely time discussing the finer points of At a Port while dining on cinnamon raisin bagels. I'm glad I was able to go spend a little quality time with Dede at her school.

Give us a Cheer

For the past year or so Kennedy has talked about being a cheerleader.  Considering Tara was always on the field and not cheering on the players I'm not quite sure how Kennedy decided that she would rather switch roles, but she's six - cheerleaders are big with the six year old crowd.  A couple of days ago Dede finally got a chance to cheer as Cottonwood High School was having a min-cheer camp for little kids.  All week long Kennedy has been living life as a cheerleader each afternoon.

Last night she was able to make her big debut as the mini-cheerleaders took to the field at half time of the Cottonwood - Brighton football game.  Dede did great!  She knew all of the routines and she is certainly aware of when the spotlight is on.  It was so fun to watch our little girl out there having the time of her life.  When we picked her up afterwards she affirmed that she was going to be a cheerleader when she is older.  At least Dede will be cheering for the right school - go Colts!

BTW - Last night marks the first time I had been at a Cottonwood High football game in more than 15 years.  It was a little weird being back there, but also a lot of fun.  It really is a beautiful view looking out at Mount Olympus.  We didn't stick around for the entire game, but it certainly won't be the last time we cheer on the Colts.

Back to School

We had to celebrate the first day of school twice this year.  Now that Kennedy is in 1st grade she made her full day school debut on the 23rd, while Alex didn't begin his "Pre-K" journey until the 29th.  It was so fun to see the kids excited about going back to school.  Both Alex and Dede have talked about school all summer long and the first day back didn't disappoint.

 

Kennedy was excited about a few things for 1st grade. I think tops on her list as been the chance to eat school lunch. She also loves having more recess and the chance to see her friends again. Kennedy was super excited to go to the new and improved Oakwood Elementary as well. We're not sure what she thinks about the full day schedule, but Dede seems to be enjoying things so far.

Alex was a big question mark for school this year. We knew how well he did in Miss Fidge's class, but we worried about the transition to a new school, without any friends. Truthfully, it hasn't hurt him a bit. Alex loves going to Spring Lane this year in his special Pre - K class. He feels like he has his own school and his own class, which is just great with us.